The Michigan Oral Health Coalition (MOHC) works to create a large, interconnected network of national, state and local advocates dedicated to working collaboratively on advocacy, education and awareness of oral health. We strive to keep our members informed on topics relevant to today's oral health advocates. The mission of MOHC is to equitably optimize oral health for all Michiganders. | | |
State Budget Update
No Notable Progress on Budget, CRC Issues Fiscal Report, Farhat Removed at MVC
The Michigan State Legislature has only had a few session days throughout the summer months and is typically expected as lawmakers spend time in-district throughout July and August. However, the Democratic-led Senate and Republican-led House have yet to come to an agreement on the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 (FY 26) budget, which begins on October 1.
Recently, the Citizens Research Council of Michigan released a report highlighting the impacts that the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is expected to have on Michigan. The state is facing a drop in state revenues of approximately $677 million in FY 26 due to federal tax code changes. Michigan is also predicted to spend approximately $1 billion by Fiscal Year 2032 on Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to changes to state cost-sharing.
In related budget news, Representative Alabas Farhat (D-Dearborn) was removed as Minority Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee after he voted against a Republican sponsored bill related to life without parole sentencing for 19- and 20-year-olds. Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) called on Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) to reinstate Rep. Farhat as MVC, but his plea was rejected. Speaker Hall has indicated that he plans on interviewing members of the Democratic caucus to find a replacement.
Senate Takes Testimony from MOHC Member on Federal Budget Impacts on Michigan
On August 13, the Senate Appropriations Committee held a hearing on the budgetary and economic impact of the Federal Reconciliation Bill. It took testimony from a number of stakeholders, including Dr. Deborah Brown, CEO of My Community Dental Centers. Dr. Brown highlighted the need to protect the Medicaid dental benefit and keep patients out of the emergency room as Michigan faces budget cuts due to changes coming to the state from the federal reconciliation package. Accompanying Dr. Brown’s verbal testimony was written testimony from MOHC. The testimony reinforced Dr. Brown’s remarks regarding the Medicaid dental benefit and further addressed the broader health implications of proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for Michiganders.
The other stakeholders who testified in committee included the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA), University of Michigan to discuss Medicaid and rural health, Michigan State University to discuss SNAP, Detroit Disability Power, Michigan League for Public Policy, and Corner Health Center to discuss the economic impact on child adolescent health centers.
| | St. Clair County Action Alert | | |
The Issue:
This Thursday, the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners will consider a proposal from the county’s Medical Director, Dr. Remington Nevin, to eliminate community water fluoridation across the county (see Dr. Nevin’s memorandum here). Such a decision would have serious implications for residents’ oral health and could set a precedent for other Michigan communities. We are urging every health professional and concerned citizen to attend the meeting and voice strong support for maintaining fluoridation.
Why This Is Important:
Community water fluoridation (CWF) is not just a local issue — it is a statewide public health priority. If fluoride is removed in St. Clair County, it could set a dangerous precedent that other counties and municipalities across Michigan could follow.
- Statewide Impact: Over 90% of Michiganers currently benefit from fluoridated water. Losing it in one county could open the door for similar efforts elsewhere.
- Protecting Vulnerable Populations: Children, seniors, and low-income families are most at risk when fluoridation is discontinued. Without it, cavities rise quickly, leading to more pain, missed school/work, and costly emergency dental visits.
- Public Health & Cost Savings: For every $1 invested in fluoridation, communities save $20 in dental treatment costs. Removing it shifts the financial burden to families and taxpayers.
- Equity in Prevention: Fluoridation is the only preventive measure that reaches everyone, regardless of income, insurance, or access to a dentist.
Bottom line: What happens in St. Clair County will influence the future of community water fluoridation across Michigan. We need a strong show of support now to protect this proven public health measure for all Michiganders.
Take Action Now:
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We invite organizations, institutions, associations, and offices/practices to join MOHC and partners across Michigan in signing this letter of support. MOHC will submit the letter to the Commissioners ahead of their meeting on Thursday, August 21. All participating organizations will be listed among the undersigned supporters.
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To sign on, please click here to complete this short form by Thursday, August 21, at 2 p.m.
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Attend the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners Meeting on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at 200 Grand River Ave., Port Huron, MI.
A strong turnout is critical to show support for community water fluoridation. Public comment of three minutes per person will be allowed. Please review the following resources and consider attending.
Resources:
- MOHC White Paper: Support for Community Water Fluoridation – Evidence-Based Review and Response to Recent Concerns
- Fluoridation Resources from the ADA
- Fluoridation Resources from the AAP
- Fluoridation Resources from the CDC
- Fluoridation Resources from ILikeMyTeeth.org
Thank you for considering this important opportunity to stand with partners across Michigan in protecting the health of St. Clair County residents.
| | Healthy Kids Dental Anniversary | | |
This month marks the 25th anniversary of Michigan’s Healthy Kids Dental program, a partnership between MDHHS, Delta Dental of Michigan, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Since its launch, the program has improved the oral health of nearly one million children enrolled in Medicaid by providing essential services like exams, cleanings, and treatments—at no cost to families. With more than 3,500 dentists participating across all 83 counties, Healthy Kids Dental continues to increase access to quality care and build healthier futures for Michigan’s children. Read the full press release here.
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August is Vaccine Awareness Month, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is urging families to get caught up on routine immunizations. With whooping cough cases at their highest since 2010, and the U.S. facing the worst measles year since 1992, vaccines are more critical than ever to prevent serious disease. Data show only 68% of Michigan children ages 19–35 months are fully immunized, down from 73.5% in 2019. MDHHS reminds residents to review their vaccination records and talk to their health care provider to stay protected. Read the full press release here.
| | Free Continuing Education | | MOHC is Seeking Patient Stories | | |
Have you experienced the life-changing power of dental care through Medicaid? Or are you a provider who has seen firsthand how access to care can transform lives? The Michigan Oral Health Coalition (MOHC) is gathering real-life stories that show why Medicaid dental benefits matter to share with our elected officials and voters across the state.
We’re looking for:
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Patients who have received dental care as Medicaid beneficiaries and are willing to share how it impacted their lives
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Providers who have treated Medicaid patients and witnessed the transformative effect of care
- Your story can help improve and protect access to strong oral health care in Michigan.
If you're interested in sharing your experience, please reach out to Kimberly Raleigh at KRaleigh@mohc.org
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Let your elected officials know the value and importance of Kindergarten Oral Health Assessments (KOHA). Dedicated funding for this critical program is at risk—and your voice matters.
The Issue:
Funding for KOHA, along with other school-based health programs like Hearing and Vision Screening, is on the chopping block in the proposed Fiscal Year 2025–2026 School Aid Budget.
The House Republican proposal removes KOHA’s dedicated line item and instead folds that money into general per-pupil funding. While it may appear to streamline resources, this move threatens the viability of KOHA in Michigan schools.
- Since October 2024, KOHA has screened nearly 23,000 children
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1 in 4 children were referred for dental treatment*
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1 in 20 were referred for urgent dental care*
*Correction from what was reported on July 17, 2025
Without a dedicated budget line, schools may no longer be able to offer these vital screenings.
Michigan Legislation Explained:
Michigan’s state government has three branches: Executive, Judicial, and Legislative. This alert focuses on the Legislative Branch, which is made up of two chambers:
- Michigan House of Representatives (110 members, elected every 2 years). Republicans hold a majority in the chamber with 58 seats.
- Michigan Senate (38 members, elected every 4 years). Democrats hold a majority in the chamber with 19 seats.
Together, these two chambers make up the Michigan Legislature, which is responsible for passing laws and approving the state budget—including funding for public health programs like KOHA.
The House and Senate did not meet the July 1 deadline to pass the K–12 budget. Negotiations are ongoing and expected to continue throughout July and August—creating a critical window for advocacy.
What This Means:
If KOHA’s dedicated funding is not maintained:
- Schools may lose the ability to offer dental screenings
- Thousands of children could miss early interventions that prevent pain, school absences, and costly emergency care
How You Can Help:
Now is the time to take action. MOHC is urging its members and supporters to reach out to their elected officials to:
- Share the value of KOHA—highlight how the program identifies children in need of urgent dental care
- Urge lawmakers to restore dedicated funding—separate from per-pupil allocations
Ask for their commitment to keeping this program in the final budget
Take Action Now:
Use the links below to find your legislators and send a message today:
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Become an MOHC Member
Over the past 22 years, MOHC has advocated for policies and programs that improve oral health for all Michiganders. Our members and partners share a vision that all Michiganders have the knowledge, support, and care they need to achieve optimal oral health.
Why Join MOHC?
Advocacy: We drive policies to improve access to care, including increased Medicaid dental rates, expanded services, and stronger support for safety net clinics.
Education: Offering cutting-edge training on oral health innovations, providing oral health care to people with disabilities, value-based care, and preventive strategies like fluoride, sealants, and HPV vaccinations.
Workforce Development: Cultivating a diverse and culturally competent oral health workforce to better serve Michigan’s communities.
Public Health Leadership: Advocating for initiatives like community water fluoridation, Kindergarten Oral Health Assessments, and HPV vaccination awareness.
Our partnership and membership options, which renew on the calendar year, provide the foundation for MOHC to pursue its mission to optimize oral health for all Michiganders equitably.
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